Hearts fear knee injury may end Jamie Brandon's season

Hearts fear Jamie Brandon's season could be over due to a knee injury sustained on under-20 duty. The full-back is awaiting a scan to determine the extent of the damage done in an innocuous collision during Tuesday's youth match against Aberdeen.

13/01/18 FRIENDLY MATCH HEARTS v NUREMBERG (0-5) SPAIN Jamie Brandon in action for Hearts

Brandon, pictured, has impressed in 14 first-team appearances for Hearts this season and manager Craig Levein is praying the problem is not too serious.

“Jamie got injured in the under-20s. It looks like a fairly problematic knee injury, we’ll know more when he has a scan,” said Levein.

“The swelling has to go down for it to be scanned. We’ll see where he is but it could mean his season is over. That’s a disappointment because he has done really well.”

Ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Ross County, Levein reported that striker Steven Naismith is doubtful with tendonitis but midfielder Don Cowie is fit.

“Naismith is touch and go,” said Levein. “He’s desperate to play but I don’t want to do something stupid and him end up out for six weeks.

“Harry Cochrane is about to start light training but he won’t make the weekend. We have Don back, though.

“Joaquim Adao hasn’t trained because his calves are tight but he will be okay. He is essential to us. It’s no coincidence Arnaud Djoum’s performances have improved since he came in.”